The Ukrainian ground-based robotic system Protector, manufactured by Ukrainian Armor(part of NAIDU), may be equipped with laser weapons. This was announced by the company's CEO, Vladislav Belbas.
"We are showing the system to partners in Europe. There is already interest, but large-scale purchases will follow once the full inspection cycle is completed. We are also working on installing various payloads, from combat modules to laser systems," Belbas said in an interview with NV.
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Ukrainian Armorhas not yet disclosed which laser system it plans to equip Ukraine's largest Protector UGV with. For instance, it should be noted that Ukraine's Tryzub laser system was publicly demonstrated for the first time this spring.
The weapon's characteristics were disclosed. Depending on the target type, its effective range is 3–5 km for target destruction and up to 10 km for optical blinding.
According to the CEO of Ukrainian Armor, the Protector UGV completed the codification process this summer, with several units currently testing it on the battlefield to verify its stated characteristics.
Regarding foreign interest in the UGV, Protector has attracted attention in Poland, where it was demonstrated during local exercises, including the Firestorm drills involving territorial defense forces.
Read more: Ukrainian Laser-Guided Artillery Rounds Are Being Tested for the Armed Forces: Capabilities and Key Nuances of the Barvinok Program
